The DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program 2027 is inviting applications from researchers, journalists, and policymakers interested in exploring how digital technologies and artificial intelligence influence media, politics, and democracy.
The fellowship supports collaboration between fellows and DDC mentors to generate new knowledge, contribute to public discussions, develop professional networks, and produce practical outputs such as policy briefs, educational materials, and public talks.
About the Digital Democracy Centre
The Digital Democracy Centre (DDC) at the University of Southern Denmark focuses on understanding the impact of digital technology and AI on democratic systems, media, and society. Its research areas include:
- Digital Democratic Integrity
- AI, Media, and Journalism
- Citizens, Organisations, and New Digital Technologies
- Digital Democracy and Societal Transitions
The centre brings together researchers from multiple disciplines including artificial intelligence, computer science, communication, journalism, economics, political science, media studies, and law.
Fellowship Areas
The DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship welcomes three categories of fellows:
Academic Fellows
Researchers studying topics related to digital technologies and democracy.
Journalist Fellows
Journalists covering digital technology, democracy, media, and related issues.
Policy Fellows
Professionals contributing to regulatory discussions and practical implementation in digital democracy.
Priority Research Areas
Projects with clear relevance to Denmark or Danish society will receive priority, including comparative or international projects that generate insights, methods, or outputs useful in a Danish context.
For the 2027 fellowship cycle, projects connected to the DDC Hybrid Warfare Initiative will also be prioritized. The initiative examines how societies can build resilience against new forms of international conflict, with particular attention to digital technologies and AI.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows may receive:
- Financial support
- Access to DDC research resources
- Flexible working spaces
- Participation in speaker series
- Networking opportunities
- A platform to showcase their work
- Membership in the DDC alumni network
The fellowship also provides opportunities to collaborate with mentors, researchers, and external partners connected to DDC.
Fellowship Duration and Support
The fellowship duration is flexible and typically lasts between 2 and 6 months, although longer periods may be considered in exceptional cases. Fellows can begin their fellowship at any time during 2027.
The program provides either:
- A salary subsidy, or
- A stipend to support travel and housing expenses
Applicants must explain the type of financial support requested in their application.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants should be researchers, journalism graduates, or policymakers working in areas connected to digital democracy. They may come from:
- Universities and research institutions
- Media organizations
- Ministries
- NGOs
- International organizations
Before applying, candidates must:
- Identify and receive confirmation from a DDC mentor
- Obtain support from their current supervisor, department head, or manager
Applications without a confirmed mentor will automatically be rejected.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- CV
- Individual project plan
- Proposed project title
- Fellowship type (academic, journalist, or policy fellow)
- Project description and objectives
- Timeline and work plan
- Confirmed mentor details
- Collaboration plans with external partners
- Expected outputs and impact
- Financial support requirements
The application must be written in English.
Deadline
The application deadline for the DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship 2027 is:
1 September 2026
Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by 1 October 2026.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the fellowship application form and submit it together with their CV as PDF files via email to:
Subject line:
DDC / TrygFonden Fellowship application
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